Americans eat more than they think, whether at home or out at restaurants, and if their plates are large, they will eat all the more without realizing it, says Brian Wansink, professor of food marketing and nutritional science at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. In his book, “Mindless Eating,” Wansink draws on some 250 research studies, examining everything from glass height to entrée descriptions, to help readers learn what prompts them to overeat.
Are restaurants to blame for America’s obesity problem?
The biggest contributor is what people do to themselves in their own homes. Most people blame someone else; it is a whole lot easier. If a person wants to lose weight or if they want their family to eat healthier, they should make some simple changes in their own kitchen and not expect other people to do it for them.
How can restaurants help people eat better?
They could make it clear that people can take home unfinished portions. It would encourage them to eat less than they might. They could also serve more tasting menus, and even charge more for less food. They could offer more replacements, such as a vegetable of the day instead of French fries.
Is posting nutrition data effective?
When possible, large chains should provide calories, but no other information. It isn’t realistic that people can process it.
Subway is known for touting healthy options. You found that Subway patrons ate more than they realized.
Any time something gives the impression of being healthy, it leads people to overeat. They feel they can eat more food than they typically would. They assume there is a health halo that surrounds everything. People also overeat later that day because they think they had a healthy lunch.
How have restaurants responded to your book?
A restaurant operator with Chinese buffets in Pennsylvania has downsized plates because of the book. They have gone to tall, skinny glasses instead of short, wide glasses, and they offer chopsticks now because they are more of a hassle to eat with than forks [and force patrons to eat more slowly].
Is the obesity issue being overblown?
It has lost its sense of urgency. All the noise that has been made hasn’t really been followed with any practical suggestions about what should be done.
